A Christmas Tradition

Fraser Fir, Abies fraseri
(matures at 30-40' high x 20-25' wide)

Nordmann Fir, Abies nordmanniana
(matures at 40-80' high x 20-30' wide)

Norway Spruce, Picea abies
(matures at 40-60' high x 25-30' wide)

'Baby Blue Eyes' Spruce, Picea pungens 'Baby Blue Eyes'
(10-15'high x 10' wide)

Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Picea glauca 'Conica'
(10-15' high x 4-6' wide)

With a living Christmas tree, you can start or continue a rewarding family tradition. Many folks were "green," long before it was the fashion. Enjoying the tree decorated, in the living room, then moving it out to a pre-dug planting hole, lets the family enjoy it for years to come.

The larger fir and spruce specimens are an ideal way to start a windbreak... think bygone days, when such plants were cultivated in long rows, halting erosion as wind swept across newly plowed farmlands. They provide the same service in the home landscape, protecting less hardy specimens and stabilizing soils. These handsome, deep green, lustrous fir and spruce trees are also ideal as individual specimens. Whatever your proposed use, remember that these are truly large-scale trees, needing full sun, good drainage and adequate space.

Not enough space for the larger fir and spruce trees? Many thoughtful folks have found a solution. After enjoying that live tree indoors, they donate it to such worthy entities as town parks, libraries or church grounds.

You may want to consider a smaller-scale living Christmas tree. The striking blue needles and relatively small size of the 'Baby Blue Eyes' Spruce make it ideal for mixed plantings, screening and focal points. Also preferring full sun, although it will accept a little partial shade, is the Dwarf Alberta Spruce. This one is well-suited for small landscapes, conifer gardens and containers, growing as it does, at the rate of about 2" a year.

Whatever you choose, planting procedures are the same. Prepare the planting hole, keeping soil unfrozen in a garage until planting time. Stuff the hole with salt marsh hay and cover with plywood. After enjoying the tree inside for 5-7 days, plant the tree in its final location, following recommended planting procedures. Your local nursery will guide you through the complete process.

Just imagine, years from now, you and the children will walk down that row of spruce or fir trees, recounting the special memories associated with each one. This is indeed a great family tradition... a living journal of Christmas Past, to be enjoyed by generations yet to come.

©Deb Lambert 2008
CBI Staff Photos ©2007

Let's Talk Turkey!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
And Beyond.....

I know - you've "had it up to here" with this particular bird, by now... sandwiches, leftovers, fricassee, tetrazzini and buckets of it lurking in the freezer "for later." Yet, as you stand there, up to your elbows in turkey carcass, boning it out for soup, let your mind drift away to your November gardens.

Enjoying that pie, are we? Backyard gardens all set for the winter, are they? If so, good for you - ignore this posting. If not, let's guilt you into activity. Well, put down the fork, move away from the pie and head outdoors, as soon as you've organized those backyard chores.

Oh, and by the way, if you're looking for a little fortification before all that backyard activity, pie is probably not the way to go. Yes sir - fruits, veggies and good old-fashioned yard chores will whip us back into some sort of shape, before the next round of holidays are upon us. So, here's a quick outline for those unfinished tasks. Let's "talk turkey".....

1)Bulbs: Forgot that bag of Dutch bulbs in the garage, did we? It's not too late to plant those languishing tulip, daffodil, hyacinth and crocus bulbs. Sunny, well-drained spots... larger bulbs at about 6" deep/smaller bulbs at at about 3" deep - work in some bulb booster fertilizer before planting, backfill, tamp and water well. If desired, cover with 2" of year 'round bark mulch or 3-4" of salt marsh hay, as a temporary winter mulch.

2)Forcing bulbs: You can opt out of the above chore and still save those neglected bulbs, by "forcing" them. Group them closely in shallow pots of well-drained potting soil, keep them lightly damp, dark and cool (35-40º - bulkhead, breezeway, etc.) for 10-12 weeks. Bring them into the home, as bulbs start to sprout, for an indoor winter flower show. Plant them out in the spring.

3)Raking/Mowing: Now that the leaves have dropped, keep them raked off the lawn areas. This allows necessary sunlight and air circulation, resulting in a healthier lawn, far less susceptible to disease problems. If, after raking, you discover that the grass blades are bending over (maybe you stopped mowing too soon?), you really ought to give it one more mowing, at a height of 1-1/2-2". This, too, will help with disease prevention.

4)Feeding: I know it's late - about as late as you can feed and expect any visible results, next spring. However, that extra effort will yield greener, thicker turf and healthier shrubs in '08!
I've often fed the landscape on Thanksgiving, while the turkey was in the oven... small to large deciduous and evergreen specimens are good candidates for late fall feeding - do not feed roses, perennials, grasses or vines, as they could break dormancy. (At this point, leave the deciduous and evergreen trees until spring.)

Use an organic, granular fertilizer and try to apply it just before a soaking rain. Supplement with superphosphate (0-20-0) or rock phosphate, for increased blossom production and stronger roots. Lime (for lilacs and other higher pH specimens) and garden gypsum for enhanced drainage can be applied right now, as well. These last two can be applied to that newly-raked lawn, along with a winter turf food.

5)Dormant-season spraying: Unless we have daytime temps of 45-50º, and nights above freezing for a couple of days, it's probably too late to prevent insects and diseases from over-wintering on fruit trees and other specimens. But, next March, under similar conditions, use that dormant-season oil (for insects), lime-sulfur (for disease) or combination product (check all labels for plant sensitivity) to clean up any lingering problems, before plants break dormancy.

6)Wilt Pruf®, or similar anti-desiccant, applied on a dry, 40-50º day, will protect broadleaved evergreens and even rose canes from the drying winds of winter - most plants can be sprayed, but there are a few exceptions (check the label). Be sure to spray the undersides, as well... the stomata beneath the leaves will sacrifice moisture, resulting in severe damage.

7)Burlap: For that extra bit of protection, attach burlap, snow-fence style, to hardwood stakes. Never cover the tops of your shrubs - they still need sunlight and air circulation. And "think snow!" ~ Mother Nature's insulation and best defense against winter injury.

8) Tree stake kits: Slip the wire cable through rubber hose segments (to protect tender branches and bark), around lower branches and fasten it to the 18", sturdy wooden stakes, to prevent tipping and/or uprooting the first season. Don't over-tighten. Leaving a little "play" in the wire allows the tree to move slightly - this results in a stronger, better-rooted tree.

9)Trunk wrap: Protect the bark of young fruit and ornamental trees with treated tree wrap or plastic trunk guards. Both are spiraled down the trunk to protect against sunscald, over the winter. Remove late winter/early spring for air circulation. The perforated guards are my personal favorite, as they allow some air circulation and offer some protection against the girdling of trunks, by hungry rodents. For long-term rodent protection, expandable sleeves of hardware cloth will foil rabbits and other pests.

10)Roses: Don't prune - tie any overly-long canes, already hardened-off for winter, to wooden stakes, adjacent fences or arbors. Prune as desired next spring.

The rest... drain and store hoses, insulate spigots, winterize mowers and tillers, clean and oil cutting and digging tools. Cover or store outdoor furniture - you know the drill.

So, put on your jacket, woolly hat, gloves and get busy.... I'll keep writing, thinking up some really neat winter chores for you - right after I indulge in a turkey panini!

©Deb Lambert 2008
Photo credits: Top 2 - Free Digital Photos / Bottom - Flower Pictures

Planning Your Visions of Fall

An acquaintance with plant habits and requirements, along with a sound landscape design are a prerequisite when planning such an autumnal vision. Obviously, fall was not the only season considered, when plant selections were made for the above gardens. The successful blending of deciduous and evergreen plants provides interest throughout the four seasons. Foliage color and texture are the key elements in this bed.

In the background, we see 'Robusta Green' Juniper. In front of this, is a Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce. In the foreground, we find a Mugo Pine. The star of this autumn show is the Green Threadleaf Maple, revealing spectacular fall foliage.

Just this one portion of the bed offers shelter and nesting sites for local songbirds, as well as juniper berries as a food source. So, beyond the expectation of year 'round beauty, this planting passes the backyard wildlife test, as well.

As we head towards the dull days of winter, it behooves us to continue observing the glory of fall, so that we may be prepared for next spring's selections. Without ever a mention of blossoms, this garden is still all about color and, oh yes... texture! Frankly, it's pretty easy to be inspired by such a planting. Thankfully, winter provides enough "down time" for gardeners to plan spring additions to the landscape. Create your own visions of fall.

©Deb Lambert 2008
Photos: ©2007, Courtesy CBI

Nubble Light

No doubt about it... fall in New England is spectacular, with glorious foliage, ripening fruits, harvest moons and clear, crisp weather. Not to be overlooked, in the midst of this abundant beauty, is the eastern seacoast in autumn. The cloudless blue skies and our unseasonably cold temperatures, provide the perfect backdrop for a coastal excursion. Above, we see the Cape Neddick Lighthouse of York Beach, Maine. Below, is a long-view of what is also known as Nubble Light, dating back to 1879.


For a complete history of this cast iron and brick lighthouse, I heartily recommend visiting the Nubble Light website, under the "Southern Maine Lighthouses" umbrella. You'll find lots of information and more photos of Nubble... sunsets, Christmas lights and more!

Now, here we find a local resident, out for a stroll on this stunning fall weekend.

Is he "from here, or away?" I'm guessing, just by his self-assured attitude, this is no tourist... probably one of the "locals" out for a little exercise before lunch. And by the steely stare, I'd say that lunch is high on his Sunday to-do list!

This fall, make it a point to enjoy all the beauty that New England has to offer... from mountain, to forest, to sea.

©Deb Lambert 2008

All Photos: ©2007 CBI

Creating Your Own Holiday Designs

Let the decorating begin...

Corkscrew Willow

Golden Curls Willow

The season's first offerings...
The garden center is cleared, cleaned and ready for action.
First to be displayed? The dogwood and willow branches
that add height, color and structure to our containers and
window boxes of mixed greens.

Rose Hips

West Coast Cedar

Winterberry

Juniper

Mixed West Coast Greens

Native White Pine

Yellow Twig Dogwood

Noble Fir

Red Twig Dogwood

Boxwood

A special thanks to Corliss Bros. Nursery & Garden Center of Ipswich, MA for these fine examples of holiday greens... fresh, fragrant and ready for the nimble fingers of those backyard gardeners among us, with a certain flair for creating their own seasonal decorations. Though it's true that thrifty, wily gardeners will clip sprigs of evergreens and berries from the backyard, often the quality, variety and quantity available at garden centers, tempts us into augmenting our own sometimes meager stock.

From prime west coast greens to native materials, chances are your local garden center is ready with a wide variety of greens to spark your imagination. The long, colorful branches of red and yellow twig dogwoods are perfect for lending color and structure to large, empty pots - just avoid terracotta, ceramic or non-draining containers which would break or sustain damage, over the course of the winter. Whiskey barrels, fiberglass and many heavy-grade plastic pots (maybe those that held annuals last summer) are usually ideal for a winter-long display. Dogwood stems, cut a bit smaller, brighten up window boxes and hay rack planters. These colorful stems are handsome alone, or combined with graceful evergreen boughs.

Of course, needled evergreens like those pictured above, are wonderful for filling window boxes, rounding out mixed displays or fashioned into garland, roping, swags and wreaths. Combine these with broadleaved evergreens, like boxwood or holly, for a textural design. Add a few sprigs of rose hips or winterberry for an eye-catching bright note. Remember, handled properly, many of these items are utilized indoors in seasonal arrangements. To preserve the moisture within these greens, many can be sprayed with an anti-desiccant, such as Wilt Pruf®, whether displayed indoors or out.

Why all this interest in holiday greens? Most of us begin our holiday decorating outdoors, so it's logical to begin the discussion with the greens. But, it's not just about Christmas, or holidays, in general. While it's true that such hand-crafted decorations add warmth and cheer to both invited guests and passers-by, it's all about sharing these elements throughout the often dull winter season. Long after the holiday season is but a memory, you'll be enjoying the results of your handiwork... here's to a well-decorated winter!

©Deb Lambert 2008
Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008/©CBI 2008

Fifteen Days of Contrasts

November in New England... a little color lingers, the sky waffles between azure and slate gray, brilliant sun, cold rain, unexpected warmth, fog, bitter wind, hoarfrost... something for everyone, really. The following glimpses are not necessarily in chronological order, but were all taken from November 1-15, 2008. Just think ~ this is only the first half of the month ~ please enjoy your journey...

Well, Lucy and I are off to hike and collect
the rest of November in photos, so we can share
the remainder of this month of contrasts.
Thanks for stopping by!

All Content & Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008

Keep Your Eyes on the Skies

"Keep Your Eyes on the Skies"
Sequenced November skies, coupled with haiku...
a little meditation before life intervenes.
By Deb Lambert

With eyes on the skies
ponder possibilities
this November day

Like mighty giants
Stark November silhouettes
Form pockets of blue

Ever-shifting clouds
November drives silvered fleece
Across azure skies

Mounds of candyfloss
Shimmering with inner light
Undulate on blue

Sculpted by the wind
Upon cerulean ground
Gilt edges gleaming

Turn your eyes skyward
Marvel at the universe
Contemplate your role

Seek inspiration
Feel small and yet empowered
Find humanity

Peace bathes the spirit
Momentary surrender
Rejoice in release

Escaping restraint
Inverted angel rays glow
Fan ever upward

Clouds, like life, obscure
The blinding revelation
Hidden brilliance shines


If you're in the mood for bit of humor,
head over to the old Grouse & Chortle...
nobody should be left out!

All Photos & Poetry: ©Deb Lambert 2008

Lucy-Maude Waxes and Rants Poetic

It seems that Lucy-Maude, of Dog's Eye View fame, is trying her paw at poetry in today's post entitled "My November Rant." It's tongue-in-cheek, but seems a little snarky - maybe because it's largely about my gardening habits. As always, all the pictures are "clickable," for larger than life details... at the very least, click on the first photo - it's worth the trip! Click anywhere here, for a virtual, free shuttle bus ride...

Take a Poetry Break

"Miss Kwanzan Blushes"... click here to read at Waltzes with Words.

When November Hands You Warm and Rainy...

Start clicking photos.....

And continue clicking away,
until the sun reappears, three days later!

All Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2008

Desperately Seeking Autumn

Yesterday was unseasonably warm, but frosty mornings and strong winds have limited the amount of backyard fall foliage at which I may peep. High overcast, with a few direct rays of sunshine, softened the remaining colors. I decided to go on a leaf safari, early in the day.

I awoke to this view, featuring the Kwanzan Cherry,
outside the bedroom window. I could hear the
leaves dropping, ever so quietly, onto the stone mulch.

I thought I'd start with this same Kwanzan Cherry,
before a gusty November wind finished off the
lingering gold, pink and orange.

Even the garden bench, below the cherry,
is attired in fall finery.

A closer look, reveals that two
'Squirrels Nutkin' (holding their acorns)
are supporting my favorite bench.

Long-view, from the opposite end of the front bed.

My prized (oh so slow-growing) Acer griseum
(Paperbark Maple), starting to show some
serious color. Like me, it seems reluctant to
bid adieu to the glorious fall.

Somehow, this maple is subtle, yet showy.
Soon, I'll be left with the cinnamon,
exfoliating bark, on display all winter.

As foliage displays diminish, my eye is drawn to
my several 'Blue Princess' Hollies, but most
especially to this 'Golden Girl' Holly.

Draped across the arbor, this 'Snow Fountains' Cherry
is just now showing off in gold, with reddish tinges.

View from my reading/birdwatching bench,
to the swamp (aka 'Lily Pond') down back.

A jumble of Blue Atlas Cedar and European Linden -
nice texture and color contrast on a dullish day.

On the left, I spy some late color from my former
burning bush (not 'Compactus'), which was
left behind when I moved.
Anyway, it adds to the vanishing display.

My spunky, mini Rudbeckias
are still brightening several corners.
Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-eyed Susan)

Rosy Glow Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Rosy Glow')
lives up to its name in the
lingering foliage and ripening fruit.

And the same barberry forms a backdrop
for those persistent buds and blooms of my
'Abraham Darby' David Austin English Rose.

Fruits of Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic'
look a bit raisin-like, after the past
several frosty mornings.

My hybrid Joe Pye Weed
(Eupatorium purpureum subsp. maculatum 'Gateway')
looks every bit as handsome now,
as when in its summer prime.

Now this is what I'll miss most of all
about the growing season... so many cosmos,
so many bees, so little photo storage on Picasa...
so they live on in iPhoto.

Lucy inspects the now dead stand of cosmos,
where bees frolicked and fed in the warm sun.
I can only imagine the millions of "volunteers"
next spring... so, I'm content to remove the refuse
and wait until then.

"Simplicity"

I leave you with this, as I desperately seek
autumn's last fling.

Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2008

RATE THE RAYS...

Yesterday, as the morning mist drifted upward to meet the rising sun, I was greeted with a particularly photogenic phenomenon. (But, I digress and alliterate.) Not knowing just how they'd appear, once captured in iPhoto, I clicked away and hoped for the best. Now, while these are not the 'angel rays' I still pursue, they'll do, for now.

Since I can't decide which I like best, you decide...
weigh in with an opinion, if so moved, and
play this home version of "Rate The Rays!"

The above 4 were taken from my front steps,
looking across at my neighbor's house
(yes, the owner of the Japanese Maple in the last post).

This was taken from the kitchen window,
where four cats take turns watching the world go by,
so no comments, snide or otherwise, about the
multitude of dried noseprints awaiting removal.
Just focus on the rays!

Now, only if you feel like it, go to the "comments"
section and register your vote for #1 - #5. Whatever
the results, this is non-binding referendum,
means nothing at all, in the grand scheme of things
and is just for fun!

Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2008

BRRR!

Glad this is a "home day' ~ I'll let it melt!

Lily Pond is sporting a thin layer of ice!
No ducks visible, this morning.

Even the wild garden edges look interesting,
when touched with hoarfrost.

'Red Pygmy' Berberis shivers in the first light.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' (ninebark) sparkling
under Mother Nature's chilling touch.

Weigela florida 'Samba' glistening in the front bed.

A late 'Abraham Darby' rose bud, sporting crystals,
as it dangles over the frosty fall garden.
(David Austin English rose)

'Wentworth' cranberry bush, heavily frosted.
(Viburnum trilobum 'Wentworthi')

Poor old Billy Bob had a tough, chilly night!

Just look at his frost-nipped shoe! How'd you like to
spend all night in that Adirondack swing, with temps
plunging down into the thirties?

Let's end on a brighter note... with my neighbor's
Japanese red maple, going out in a blaze of glory!

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' puts on a brilliant
autumn show, which I enjoy from my kitchen window!
These were taken late last week... the leaves are now
drifting down onto his lawn.
Thanks for the great autumn show, Mike!

Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2008

November Issue of 'Corliss Clips'...

Click here for your November garden newsletter, CORLISS CLIPS!

It's All About Endings...

A diminutive sugar pumpkin, pining away
on a fence post, the day after Halloween.

A row of his cohorts marching down Route 133,
alongside a rapidly clearing sales yard.

A certain sadness, at the conclusion of another
growing season... empty perennial tables await
the lush displays and eager gardeners of the
next season.

And though planting still continues,

nursery stock is neatly aligned on pallets,
awaiting winter storage.

A 'Winter King' hawthorn displays its fiery fruit,

while a weeping blue spruce flings arching limbs
and an abundant harvest of cones against
the November 1st sky.

And then there's Loretta. Her meteoric rise to fame, as a brilliant field reporter, presenting us with fall tree profiles, makes this announcement all the harder. On Friday, I reported my discovery that Loretta, in an effort to improve her frost-damaged features, had undergone a head transplant. She was back on the job, and on her garden bench, in no time... as if nothing had happened! Quite a little trooper, our Loretta. However, a spotty, killing frost visited her garden bench ... and, well, there's no easy way to tell you...

"Rest in peace, Loretta." In a brief interview with
Loretta's designer, Jackie, I came away with the
feeling that the entire Plant Sales Team plans
to carry on, in the fine tradition of Loretta.

Ah ~ but this tale is also about beginnings. This quaint, original little sign proclaims that we're moving on to new ventures and other holidays. The yard is stocked with living Christmas trees and soon cut trees and fresh greens will arrive. The store is already filled with gifts and holiday items, both for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And though we mourn the passing of another season, heightened by Loretta's demise, we look forward to the holidays and bird feeding season to come!


Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2008
"Filmed" at Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery/31 Essex Road/Ipswich, MA